Uniden BC895XLT 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Setting up the BC 895XLT was simple--we attached the antenna, plugged in the AC adapter, and turned on the unit. With so many function buttons on the face of the unit, using the BC 895XLT may seem daunting without consulting the manual. However, the manual is incredibly user friendly, with definitions of all functions, pictures, and step-by-step instructions for performing certain applications. It also includes a foldout diagram of the face of the unit with descriptions of each button so you can easily reference while skimming the manual.

With 300 channels, the BC 895XLT provides more programmable channels than most scanners. Organized into 10 bank keys that hold 30 programmed frequencies each, the scanner can also be preprogrammed with 10 priority channels. We had no problem performing basic operations and programming active frequencies into selected channels and banks. Features such as scanning, channel lockout, weather alert, and searching were relatively easy to figure out using the operating guide. More advanced features such as CTCSS operation and trunk tracking, while more complicated, were also accessible.

One nice touch is the squelch control, which raises or lowers the "Squelch Gate" so that you can control what kind of signals get in and eliminate the constant hiss that accompanies weak signals. We also appreciated the adjustable LCD backlight, which makes the display easy to read in almost any condition, and the desktop stand, which allows you to see and use the scanner at a more viewable angle. The auxiliary jack lets you connect an external recorder so that you can automatically record any activity on a specified channel. There is also an external speaker jack that can be used to connect headphones for private listening.

The unit ships with a Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide that lists some statewide and city frequencies used by police and fire departments, weather services, forest rangers, as well as ham radio operators and miscellaneous frequency assignments. You can also order the Betty Bearcat Regional and National Police Directories or Mr. Scanner's Local Frequency List for more in-depth listings including rescue squad, local government, forestry radio, marine radio, aircraft, amateur radio, and federal government frequencies.

If you're interested only in simple radio scanning and tracking, then take a look at a lower-end model. But if you're an expert radio operator looking for a super-powerful tracking device, you'll be thrilled with the BC 895XLT. The folks at Uniden thought of everything when designing this one.

Pros:

• Easy-to-understand operation guide
• Simple programming
• Trunk tracking and CTCSS for more advanced users
• Easy-to-read display

I like the BC 895XLT because:

- Fast scanning of 100 channels / second. The Radio Shack (GRE made) scanners that I own only go 25 channels/second. And while they are more technically sophisticated, I miss the scan speed which is desirable if you live in a busy area.

- CTCSS tone capability - What this does is let you enter in a special "code" that filters out different companies using a frequency. In busy urban areas it is not unusual to have three or four businesses on the same frequency. They use a special code called a "PL" code which allows their radios to only hear their broadcasts. The 895xlt supports the use of the PL tone through the CTCSS tone capability built in.

You might want to rethink your purchase if:

- You want to follow BOTH trunked and conventional frequencies at the same time. This scanner only follows one or the other --- and if you are following trunked frequencies you'll only be able to monitor one bank of them at a time.

- This scanner does not monitor a common type of trunked frequency called EDACS.

Overall:

I strongly recommend this scanner. Even though it has a few limitations, you cannot beat the price/performance. In reality I have found that I monitor very few trunked frequencies -- and that the bulk of my local action is the local PD and FD. Even if one town is trunked there is usually more than enough action to be heard on surrounding towns.

My one exception to the above advice is if I lived in NY or another big city that had LOTS of trunking, I'd probably wait for the 780xlt model.


Great scanner but can be hard to program   May 11, 2000
P. Mullin (Philly, PA)
9 out of 11 found this review helpful

This is one gadget that you will need to read the manual before using. They squeeze a lot of options into this scanner. If you need to monitor a trunked system this one will do it. The only problem is that it could take you a while to figure out how. Overall, I highly recommend this product.


This is great!   April 28, 2000
10 out of 16 found this review helpful

This is one of the more well built scanners by uniden. I especially like the computer interface with the optional cable that you have to buy. I also like the built in CTCSS board. Over all this is a great buy!


SUPER SCANNER   April 24, 2000
Keith D. Roux (Rome, New York)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This scanner is excellent for local coverage in your area only. Understand, most local frequencies cover a certain area, so dont be heartbroken if your unit does not reach over long periods. A great start up for scanner enthusiasts. One more downfall, searching for trunked system can be time consuming. Be patient and have fun.


Scanner is the best out there; Service is the exact opposite   January 20, 2000
30 out of 30 found this review helpful

The BC895XLT is the best scanner you could get, especially when PC controlled. It is super simple to get operational even for beginners. Just punch in the frequencies and there you go, they even include partial lists of them. Not to mention they come in crystal clear. But if yours is to break, be prepared for an enormous hassle. You'll never talk to a real person and you have to blindly send the unit in for repair. Bottom line: Uniden's product is the best you could buy; you're not buying any service though.